How to Deal With Your High-Stress Job

Safety and Risk Management
How to Deal With Your High-Stress Job

We all deal with stress in our lives.  Some stress can be good, such as when we are in a dangerous situation. But too much stress–especially chronic stress–can cause significant health problems. It can increase your risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as the common cold.  It can also be the cause of headaches and poor sleep.

Stress exists in many areas of our lives.

For many people, work can be a major source of stress.

It’s the overbearing boss, unrealistic timelines, heavy workloads, constant fire drills  

Often you feel helpless to do anything about the stress—thinking it will eventually get better -- but you can control more than you may think in reducing the amount of stress with your job.

I’ve got a tip for you to deal with your high-stress job.

  • Deep breathing exercises – This can take place over a few seconds, and research has shown that deep breathing exercises reduce physical and mental stress in the moment.  There’s different types.  Personally, I like Box-Breathing. There are 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered.

Repeat this exercise a couple times during the day. Thirty seconds of deep breathing will help you feel more relaxed and in control.